This is an otherwise duty free exclusive release, bottled from barrels left to mature in Bowmore's "No.1" vaults. As far as we can determine, there's no significance to the label other than to imply that this malt is about as close to the source as you'll get without visiting the distillery. Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks.Tasting note: Bright deep gold. The opening peppery spirit lift gradually yields to scents of oatmeal biscuit, honey and later hints of dried fig and smouldering pine. The smoky aspect remains understated. Creamy entry develops into an intense, spicy attack; tingly and almost bittersweet at mid palate with dense roasted malt followed by brittle toffee apple, late wood smoke and kelp. Finish sees the sugars lingering as sticky date pudding and brine in the aftertaste. A youthful, compelling, full throttle Bowmore. One suspects PX barrels have played a significant role here. 57.1% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Low key smoke...delicate in all the departments, including the peat...long with a tapering moscovado finale...A real charmer! 90.5 points
- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2013
